What happened
During the initial takeoff phase at Oradea Airport, an incident occurred involving the premature retraction of the landing gear. While the aircraft was still in the middle of its takeoff roll, a flight engineer who was undergoing training retracted the gear assembly before the necessary airspeed had been achieved.
As a result of this action, the aircraft lost its structural support from the wheels and settled onto its belly. The movement caused the plane to skid along the runway surface before the motion eventually ceased.
Outcomes
- All 11 occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without injury.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage during the excursion.
- The vessel was subsequently declared a total loss, as it was damaged beyond repair.